Waterbury, Conn. - For the last several years, women students have come together at the annual Scott Pond Memorial Women in Science Fair to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) from women actively practicing in the field. While the event has always been a success, something about this year surpassed the usual expectations, according to Myrna Watanabe, Ph.D., instructor of biology and event coordinator.

“This was definitely the most unique of our five seminars,” said Dr. Watanabe. “It was about more than credentials and job responsibilities. These were personal stories of success and in some cases, the circuitous way these women ended up in their positions.”

In a lecture hall filled to capacity with NV and Naugatuck, Crosby, Seymour and Brookfield High School students, it was the sense of personal struggle and ambiguity that allowed students to connect with speakers like Dr. Ruth Washington, who was born one of nine children and was the first in her family to earn a Ph.D.

“A current fact is that 40% of households are run by women,” said Dr. Washington. “It’s also a fact that women whose mothers are involved in STEM fields – higher paying fields – are more likely to follow STEM careers themselves.”

Dr. Washington believes shifting women into higher paying careers is a key element in shifting low income demographics.

“There are social implications to what you do with your life,” said Dr. Washington. “By earning my Ph.D., I managed to change the culture of my family and even influenced some of my neighbors to get a Ph.D. That’s how you make a community stronger.”

Dr. Washington is the founder and president of Forward Education Consulting, LLC, and a former professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of Connecticut, Storrs.

"This is an excellent time for women to consider a STEM career in our state,” agreed NV President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. “With the very exciting Connecticut State Bio Initiative, which is bringing the Jackson Labs to the UConn Health Center campus, it is critical that we do everything we can to encourage young women toward the fascinating opportunities available in STEM fields."

Lawrence and Gloria Pond established the annual Scott Pond Memorial Women in Science Seminar in memory of their son five years ago. It is with deepest regret that the College mourns the passing of Gloria Pond this past November. In addition to the seminar, the Ponds also established the Scott L. Pond Memorial Scholarship Fund to help women and minority students persist in their science degree pursuits. 

Dr. Washington is the founder and president of Forward Education Consulting, LLC, and a former professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of Connecticut, Storrs.

Keshia Ashe is a chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate at UConn Health Center and co-founder of ManyMentors, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting middle and high school students interested in STEM fields with college-aged mentors.

Dr. Carol Rizzolo is a professor and researcher with a focus on the psychology and mythology of death.

Dr. Yih-Woei Fridell is an assistant professor of molecular biology in the Department of Allied Health Sciences at UConn with a research focus on the aging process.

Mary Angelicola is a former NV and Waterbury State Tech student with a career focus in industrial and commercial environmental management and manufacturing engineering.

Rabia Baz is a chemical engineer employed at Evonik Industries, chair for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in New Haven and an NV graduate.